Soluseinämälle

Soluseinämälle refers to the cell wall in Finnish. It is a rigid outer layer that surrounds the plasma membrane of plant cells, fungi, algae, and bacteria. The cell wall provides structural support and protection to the cell, preventing excessive water uptake and maintaining its shape. Its composition varies depending on the organism. In plants, the primary component is cellulose, a complex carbohydrate. Fungal cell walls are typically made of chitin, another polysaccharide. Bacterial cell walls are primarily composed of peptidoglycan. Algal cell walls can have diverse compositions, including cellulose, glycoproteins, or minerals like silica. The presence and structure of the cell wall are crucial for cellular integrity and interaction with the environment. It plays a role in processes such as cell growth, defense against pathogens, and turgor pressure maintenance. The rigid nature of the cell wall is a defining characteristic that differentiates these organisms from animal cells, which lack such a structure.